Grand jury refuses to indict teen that may have pushed friend into traffic

Wednesday

Mar 26, 2008 at 12:01 AMMar 26, 2008 at 12:38 PM

A Peoria County grand jury has refused to indict a Southern Illinois University student of reckless conduct for allegedly pushing his childhood friend, Robert Hurt, into oncoming traffic where he was fatally struck by a car.

Andy Kravetz

A Peoria County grand jury has refused to indict a Southern Illinois University student on a charge of reckless conduct for allegedly causing the death of his childhood friend, Robert Hurt, by pushing Hurt into oncoming traffic.

Brandon Gish, 19, of Plainfield had been charged on one count of reckless conduct. Normally, a grand jury indicts someone after they have been initially charged, eliminating the need for a preliminary hearing.

Now, however, it’s possible Peoria County prosecutors will have to go before a judge on April 3 for that hearing, which requires them to show they have enough evidence to proceed. It is also possible that prosecutors could drop the felony count and charge Gish with a misdemeanor reckless conduct.

They could also drop the case completely. Assistant State’s Attorney Steve Pattelli said a decision had not been made on how to proceed.

Gish is free on $10,000 bond.

According to police reports, the two friends were walking on the sidewalk along the west side of University Street with about five other people when Hurt, 21, was pushed into oncoming traffic and struck by the passenger side of a southbound car near the intersection of Russell Street.

He was taken to OSF Saint Francis Medical Center with severe head injuries and died about an hour later, according to Peoria County Coroner Johnna Ingersoll. Initial indications were that the two had been drinking.

Hurt’s mother, Dona Fazio, has said the pair were like brothers and were raised together in Pontiac since their youth.

Andy Kravetz can be reached at (309) 686-3283 or akravetz@pjstar.com.

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